Civil Service Bureau's response to media enquiries
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     In response to media enquiries relating to staff unions of the Customs and Excise Department, a spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau today (April 19) said that the Government has always appointed department heads, including the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, in accordance with the established mechanism. To maintain a stable and efficient civil service, appointments are made on the principle of selecting the most suitable candidate for the job. The criteria to be considered for promotion include job requirements, overall operational needs, as well as the experience and personal attributes of the candidates.

     Under the prevailing mechanism and procedures, suitable departmental candidates would first be considered for promotion to the post of the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. Consideration to seconding a suitable officer from another grade would only be given if there is no suitable departmental candidate. We will also review such arrangements regularly together with the relevant policy bureaux.

Ends/Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:57

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